The National Assembly has dismissed an attempt by the Grassroot Oversight Initiative to initiate a motion against Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula citing procedural limitations under parliamentary rules.
In a letter dated February 7, 2025, Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge informed the petitioners that parliamentary rules do not allow the House to discuss the Speaker’s conduct unless a substantive motion is introduced by a sitting Member of Parliament.
“We have perused the Constitution, the Petition to Parliament (Procedure) Act, 2012, and the National Assembly Standing Orders and note that Standing Order 87(1) provides that the conduct of the Speaker can only be discussed through a substantive motion with at least three days’ notice,” the letter stated.
Who can introduce a motion against National Assembly Speaker?
The Clerk further advised that only an MP who is aggrieved by the Speaker’s conduct has the legal standing to move such a motion, making the Grassroot Initiative’s claim inadmissible.
This response effectively shuts down the group’s attempt to challenge the Speaker’s leadership through external petitions.
The letter underscores the procedural barriers that shield the Speaker from direct censure by the public, reinforcing the legislative requirement that only MPs can initiate such a debate within the House.
The Grassroot Oversight Initiative, which had sought to challenge the Speaker’s conduct, is yet to respond to the National Assembly’s decision.
However, the rejection signals a procedural deadlock for any external groups attempting to influence internal parliamentary affairs without the backing of legislators.
Wetang’ula has been under criticism after the High Court ruled that he acted against the law in declaring Kenya Kwanza the majority coalition in National Assembly.
A number of opposition leaders have already hinted at the possibility of seeking his removal from office after he affirmed his ealier position on the majority and majority sides.
